A push by liquor retailers to ease alcohol restrictions in two far north West Australian towns has been dealt a severe blow, with the Minister responsible saying the social and health benefits outweigh any negative impacts.

Only light-strength take-away alcohol can be bought in Fitzroy Crossing since 2007 and in Halls Creek since 2009.

The limits were brought in after a concerted campaign by local Aboriginal women responding to excessive drinking by people in the region, and high rates of alcohol-related violence and trauma among children.

Since the restrictions were introduced, State Government studies show rates of assaults and domestic violence have roughly halved.

However, the liquor retailers argue the limits on the availability of alcohol has created a large black market by people who bring liquor in from other towns, known as "sly grogging".

They want to be allowed to now sell medium-strength take-away alcohol, denying they are motivated by profit and instead saying the restrictions do not work any more and the changes would help shut down the illegal market.

Restrictions have decreased harm: Minister

Racing and Gaming Minister Colin Holt has made it clear he backed the current system.

"When imposing restrictions, the Director of Liquor Licensing must weigh and balance competing interests of people living in a community," Mr Holt said in a statement.

"In respect of Halls Creek, it was determined that any negative impacts and inconvenience that may be experienced did not outweigh the social and health benefits that restrictions could bring to the broader community.

"Overall, it has been demonstrated that the Halls Creek liquor restrictions have significantly decreased the levels of harm that were occurring in the community prior to the restrictions being introduced."